No drip bed pan

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for collecting, disposing, and measuring liquids including a vessel with an inner surface and an absorption mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the vessel for absorbing and collecting liquids within the vessel. The present invention additionally provides for an absorption mechanism disposed on an inner surface of a vessel for preventing the spillage of any liquids, particularly those associated with excretory waste. Finally, the present invention provides for a method of using the apparatus claimed herein to collect, dispose, and measure liquid output from a bedridden individual.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 872,337, filed Jun. 1, 2001, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 209,021, filed Jun. 2, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60\209,021, filed Jun. 2, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] This invention generally relates to the field of medical supplies and specifically towards the collection, disposal, and measurement of excretory waste from bedridden individuals. [0005] 2. Description of Related Art [0006] Bed pans for capturing the release of excretory waste from bedridden individuals are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,682 to Smith discloses an improved bedpan having a slidable cover for confining noxious odors. Bedpans have various si...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for collecting, disposing, and measuring liquids including a vessel with an inner surface and an absorption mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the vessel for absorbing and collecting liquids within the vessel. The present invention additionally provides for an absorption mechanism disposed on an inner surface of a vessel for preventing the spillage of any liquids, particularly those associated with excretory waste. Finally, the present invention provides for a method of using the apparatus claimed herein to collect, dispose, and measure liquid output from a bedridden individual.

Problems solved by technology

A problem with the use of most bedpans is spillage of the waste collected.

Due to design and structural faults, excretory waste, especially urine, easily spills out of conventional bedpans.

Moreover, those who handle the bedpans easily come into contact with the potentially harmful excretory waste.

Since urine and feces contain harmful germs, bacteria and viruses, there is a concern of disease transmission to health care providers who handle bedpans.

Another problem occurring with the collection of excretory waste through the use of conventional bedpans is that it is often difficult to obtain accurate measurements of urine output from the patient, especially when both urine and feces are collected.

As a result, inaccurate determinations of urine output hinder proper patient care.

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